Troubleshoot the NFC

If you are having issues using the NFC (Near Field Communication) on your Fairphone, make sure to read the article Set up near field communication (NFC). There you'll find instructions on how to turn on and use the NFC chip on your Fairphone.

If your phone's NFC isn't working—meaning you don't feel the usual vibration or data transfer when holding it near an NFC reader—there are a few things to check. First, determine if the issue is with your phone or the other device. If NFC failures happen frequently with a specific payment terminal, in a particular store, or when trying to pair with certain headphones, the problem likely lies with the other device. This could be due to a compatibility issue, a defect, or outdated software on that device rather than your phone.

Update

Make sure that your phone is up-to-date. If you are not running the latest software, or you are not sure, learn how to Check and update your software version.

For the other device, if applicable, check the manufacturer's website or contact their customer support.

If NFC isn't working at all, try these steps:

1. Make sure the two NFC chips are close by

Because the chips are usually hidden within devices, changing the position of the devices can help. NFC chips don't have a big range, so if you hold the wrong side of the phone near the other device, it won't work.

2. If you're using a case for your phone, take it off and try again

Sometimes cases can be in the way, as they make the phone bulkier and are another layer of material that the radio waves will need to pass through between the two chips.

3. Make sure you have the correct software and it's set-up correctly

Some NFC functions only work when you have additional software installed. For example, for contactless payments, you need to install a payment app that supports this. This can be Google Wallet (previously Google Pay) or your bank's app.

Make sure to update the app and that a compatible card is set up for contactless payments.

-IMPORTANT-
Some types of cards and banks don't support contactless payments through smartphones. If you're unsure whether your bank/card will work, contact your bank.

4. Run hardware test

The Fairphones have integrated hardware tests, which will help you see if the hardware is working correctly. Select your model below to see the instructions on how to test the NFC on your phone.

Open the Phone app.
Dial *#*#2886#*#* in the same way you enter a phone number to make a phone call. Once the last character is introduced, the Service Menu appears.
Select Manu.
Select NFC. Test with another phone, NFC-enabled device or contactless card (e.g. credit/debit card, public transport card).
If the phone vibrates and shows NFC: Detected, tap on PASS, otherwise tap on FAIL.

Open the Phone app.
Dial *#*#2886#*#* in the same way you enter a phone number to make a phone call. Once the last character is introduced, the Service Menu appears.
Select Manu.
Select NFC. Test with another phone, NFC-enabled device or contactless card (e.g. credit/debit card, public transport card).
If the phone vibrates and shows NFC: Detected, tap on PASS, otherwise tap on FAIL.

Open the Phone app.
Dial *#*#2886#*#* in the same way you enter a phone number to make a phone call. Once the last character is introduced, the Service Menu appears.
Select Manu.
Select NFC. Test with another phone, NFC-enabled device or contactless card (e.g. credit/debit card, public transport card).
If the phone vibrates and shows NFC: Detected, tap on PASS, otherwise tap on FAIL.

Open the Phone app.
Dial *#*#66#*#* in the same way you are entering a phone number to make a phone call. Once the last character is introduced, the Service Menu appears.
Select Service tests > Test Single.
Select NFC Reader Mode. Test with another phone, NFC-enabled device or contactless card (e.g. credit/debit card, public transport card).
The phone should vibrate and show NFC Card Reader Test Pass. Press Back and tap on PASS or FAIL, depending on the result.

If the test fails, contact our Customer Support and we'll help you out with the repair process.

5. Test in Safe mode

It's possible that an app you've installed is causing an issue in the background and blocking the NFC functionality. Testing in Safe mode will let you confirm this.

NFC reacts, but shows errors

If you're seeing an error message when using the NFC, read it carefully. It might include instructions on what to do next.

If an error message text is vague or hard to follow, you can also contact our Customer Support and we'll help you further.

If after reading the article you need more help, contact our Customer Support.

The Fairphone (Gen. 6) has a NFC (Near-Field Communication) chip under the Upper back cover located on the Top Unit.

The Fairphone 5 has a NFC (Near-Field Communication) chip under the surface of its battery which is placed below the Back Cover.

The Fairphone 4 has a NFC (Near-Field Communication) chip on the inside of the Back Cover.

The Fairphone 3(+) has an NFC chip in the Core module, and it's location is the lower left part of the phone, below the icon printed on the Back Cover.

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